California Polytechnic State University - Local Atmosphere

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The atmosphere of San Luis Obispo is very relaxed and friendly. The atmosphere in town is comfortable. Although SLO is a college town, it is also a tourist destination, so there are occasional tensions between college students, locals, and business people, but in general everyone gets along. Visit Bubblegum Alley, Bishop’s Peak, the “P,” the beaches, the men’s bathroom at the Madonna Inn, and Montana de Oro state park. The only other college in the area is a local junior college, Cuesta, but the majority of students there are attempting to get into Cal Poly anyway.

There are very few places that would be considered dangerous, but most stay clear of the nude beach (fortunately, it’s small). There are also increasing numbers of homeless people downtown. The students, especially those used to large cities, are disappointed by the lack of pop culture activities available. Most will come to enjoy the fact that outdoor activities are the norm here. Whether or not they are the athletic type, all students will end up trying some sort of physical activity, such as surfing, kayaking, hiking, or rock climbing. There are many opportunities to engage in all of these pastimes.

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alih09 Cal Poly '12 Kinesiology and Exercise Science Jul 26, 2010

Commuter = Unsocialable B+ Because CSU Pomona is a commuter school, you have to live on campus to meet people. 12345 Report Local Atmosphere

bugatti Cal Poly '12 Business Jun 14, 2010

Peaceful A The pomona district is a large community with a variety of backgorunds. They provide the overall effect that is required for any and all academic minds. It is quiet and peaceful, with a sense of liberty that allows all students to be as creative as they like. 12345 Report Local Atmosphere

friggin148 Cal Poly '13 Liberal Arts and Humanities May 25, 2010

The SLO Way of Life B+ Besides being a very elderly people orientated city, this college town is old school in it's way of life. Quiet nights in the downtown area, but loud parties near the school. Many places to go and things to do in the surrounding cities, while SLO itself is pretty basic and has only a few touring sites. 12345 Report Local Atmosphere

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Facts

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5 Fun Facts about San Luis Obispo:
• San Luis was born when Father Junipero Serra founded the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa in 1772, the fifth of 21 California missions.The original mission is now the centerpiece of downtown San Luis.
• One weekend in April, parking lots, driveways, and the town square downtown are roped off for the annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival. Artists gather with colored chalk to paint beautiful masterpieces on concrete.
• Every Thursday evening, Higuera, one of the main streets in town, closes down for one of the biggest farmers markets in California. It includes music, produce, crafts, and barbeques.
• San Luis is home to the elegantly quirky Madonna Inn. Each of the 108 guest rooms in this historic hotel is individually decorated with its own theme and color scheme. The men’s bathroom in the lobby alone is worth the visit—for gentlemen and ladies alike!
• Every year from October through March, the San Luis area (especially Pismo Beach) is host to thousands of Monarch butterflies, who consider this area to have the perfect climate for wintering in.

Local Slang:
AG – Arroyo Grande
Farmers – The weekly farmers market held every Thursday on Higuera Street, downtown SLO
The Grade – Steeply inclined, dangerous section of 101 just north of SLO that has been under construction for the past decade (and probably the next decade as well)
The PAC – Cal Poly’s Performing Arts Center
SLO – Common abbreviation of San Luis Obispo

Most Recent Student Author

Name: Sarah Parr
Hometown: Simi Valley, CA
Major: Journalism/Pre-Law

Fun Fact: Sarah is into astrology.